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The New Zealand national cricket team is currently in England for a series of four T20Is followed by four One-Day Internationals (ODIs). This tour holds great significance as both teams are using it as a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, which is scheduled for October. In this context, both sides have selected squads that closely resemble their full-strength lineups, highlighting the importance of gaining valuable match practice before the World Cup.
New Zealand’s preparations for this tour have been quite thorough. They recently completed a tour of Pakistan in April, where they had a competitive series and displayed their cricketing skills. Subsequently, they headed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they achieved success in their games. However, the Kiwis faced an unexpected setback when they lost the second fixture of the three-match series in Dubai. As they gear up for the series against England, led by their captain Tim Southee, New Zealand enters with a sense of confidence, having secured victories in warm-up games against Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Furthermore, several key players who were absent during the UAE series have returned, strengthening the team’s lineup.
Also READ: ENG vs NZ 2023: England’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand
New Zealand’s prime T20I series lineup against England
Top-order firepower and Middle-order stability:
At the top of the order, Blackcaps boasts an explosive duo. Finn Allen, a young sensation in T20 cricket, takes on the role of the opener. Known for his aggressive batting style and remarkable ability to clear the boundary, he sets the stage for the Kiwi innings. Partnering with him is Devon Conway, a technically sound batter with a wide range of shots. Conway is known for anchoring the innings and building partnerships, providing stability to the team.
In the middle order, New Zealand boasts Mark Chapman, a versatile and tactically astute batter. Chapman is known for his adaptability to various match situations, making him a valuable asset in the team’s lineup. Whether it’s anchoring the innings or switching to an aggressive approach, Chapman’s cricketing intelligence shines through. He possesses the ability to read the game and execute calculated shots, providing stability and flexibility to the team’s batting unit. Alongside him is Glenn Phillips, a hard-hitting middle-order dynamo. His explosive batting style and ability to clear the boundary make him a game-changer in the latter stages of the innings. With Tim Seifert as the wicketkeeper-batter, this combination of top-order aggression and middle-order stability gives New Zealand a formidable batting lineup.
All-round prowess:
In the all-rounder department, New Zealand brings a wealth of talent to the table. Daryl Mitchell, a valuable asset, can contribute with both bat and ball. He plays the role of a finisher with the bat, providing explosive firepower in the latter stages of the innings. With his medium-pace bowling, Mitchell can also break partnerships and apply pressure on the opposition. Mitchell Santner, another seasoned all-rounder, brings experience to the team. As a reliable spinner, he can control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets. Additionally, Santner can make vital contributions with the bat in lower-order partnerships. Together, Mitchell and Santner provides New Zealand with versatile all-round capabilities.
Potent bowling arsenal:
New Zealand’s bowling attack is spearheaded by pace and spin. Kyle Jamieson, a tall and pacey fast bowler, possesses the ability to extract bounce and seam movement from the pitch. His awkward bounce can unsettle opposition batters, and he can contribute with crucial runs down the order. Tim Southee, the team’s captain, leads the pace attack with a wealth of experience. Southee can provide early breakthroughs with the new ball, swing it both ways, and execute pinpoint yorkers at the death overs. The spin department is fortified by Ish Sodhi, a skillful leg-spinner. Sodhi’s variations and ability to deceive batters in the air and off the pitch make him a valuable spinner. Lockie Ferguson, an express fast bowler, complements the pace attack with raw speed and aggression. His extreme pace and deadly yorkers in the death overs add to New Zealand’s bowling potency. This formidable bowling arsenal can put pressure on England’s batting lineup and take crucial wickets throughout the innings.
With this comprehensive and balanced team, New Zealand are poised to take on the hosts and demonstrate their prowess in T20 cricket.
New Zealand’s best XI for the T20I series against England:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee (c), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand’s T20I squad for the England tour:
Tim Southee (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
